Page 103 of Surrender to the Earl
“Only a bit, and only because you’re making it absolutely necessary. And now it’s my turn to speak my mind.”
Audrey groaned and tossed her crocheting on the table in front of her. “Then do it quickly.”
“You aren’t going to want to hear it.”
“Blythe!”
“I think you’re afraid to marry Robert. You think that because you’re blind, it gives you even more reason. But every woman who marries has to take an incredible risk, and you’re no different just because you’re blind.”
“Well, thank you for that,” Audrey said dryly.
“You know what I mean! Women put themselves in the hands of men every day, and sometimes it isn’t a success, as you already know from bitter experience. Did you love Mr. Blake?”
“You know I didn’t.”
“He married you for your dowry. Why did you marry him?”
“I—” Audrey broke off and had to swallow. “To start my own family.”
“And?”
“To get away from Father,” she finished on a whisper. “I … I used Martin just as much as he used me.”
“Then I guess you’re just as flawed as the rest of us—as Robert.”
Audrey bowed her head and was shocked when tears dripped onto her clasped hands. “I’m so afraid to be hurt again, Blythe. It almost broke me when I understood how little regard Martin had for me. And then my sweet baby died, and I thought my life was over.”
“But it wasn’t. Your grief eased and you have begun a whole new life. Robert wants to be a part of it, however badly it all began between you. Do you want to be alone here but for the servants? You could have your own family, Audrey.”
Could she give up the camaraderie she’d shared with Robert, and the sweetest pleasure she’d ever known? His kisses made her feel like the most desirable woman in the world. Shelovedhim, loved the honor that brought him to her, and the way he treated her as any other woman. Was she going to deny her heart?
She stood up quickly. “I sent him away.”
“I told him to stay, that I had some things you needed to hear. I’m interfering in your life. Get used to it.”
While Audrey gaped, she heard Blythe walk to the door and throw it open.
“Robert, she’s not done talking to you.”
She heard his heavy steps, smelled the cool dampness of the outdoors all around him. And she was suddenly shaking.
“I’ll leave you two alone,” Blythe said, closing the door behind her.
“Are you cold?” Robert asked, coming closer.
She shook her head, letting herself be surrounded in his warmth, the sweetness of love.
“I didn’t eavesdrop, if that’s what you’re wondering,” he assured her.
She shook her head again. Oh, God, was she really going to do this?
The room seemed alive with him in it, and the chance to touch him was all she wanted, all she needed.
“Oh Robert,” she whispered, reaching forward with her bare hand.
He took it, and she felt the dampness of his gloves. With a gasp, she ran her hands up his arms.
“You’re all wet.”
